Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

GENERIC NAME: zolpidem

BRAND NAME: Ambien, Ambien CR, Intermezzo, Zolpimist, Edluar

DISCONTINUED BRAND: Tovalt ODT

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called
sedatives or hypnotics. Zolpidem shares some characteristics of a family of
sedatives called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines cause sedation, muscle
relaxation, act as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure medications), and reduce
anxiety. Zolpidem has selectivity in that it has little of the muscle relaxant
and anti-seizure effects and more of the sedative effect. Therefore, it is used
primarily as a medication for sleep. The oral spray form of zolpidem, Zolpimist,
has more rapid absorption than the tablet form because it is absorbed through
the lining of the mouth. The FDA approved zolpidem in December 1992.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Zolpidem is used for treating insomnia. Conventional tablets
are used for short-term treatment of insomnia associated with difficulty falling
asleep. Long acting tablets are used for treating insomnia associated with
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Zolpidem improves initiation of
sleep and keeps patients asleep longer.

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